North Korea test-fires ballistic missile following border tensions
Following border explosions that resulted in injuries to South Korean soldiers, the Pyongyang regime launched a ballistic missile from its east coast toward the sea.
According to the South Korean military, North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward the sea from the eastern coastal area of Wonsan amid escalating tensions following landmine explosions along the border that left three South Korean soldiers injured.
Missile Launch Activity
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected that the missile was launched toward the sea from the Wonsan area on the country's east coast, but did not immediately share information regarding the distance the projectile traveled. Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that the missile likely landed outside the country's exclusive economic zone.
Military Security and Cooperation
South Korean officials stated that the military has increased its surveillance and readiness posture for potential new launches from the North, and is closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.
Border Landmines Controversy
This missile test took place just one day after the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rejected Seoul's demands for an apology over the landmine explosions. South Korea and the US-led United Nations Command had stated that the explosions were caused by North Korean landmines planted south of the military demarcation line.
Diplomatic Relations and Reactions
Kim Yo Jong described Seoul's demands as utterly pathetic and stated that North Korea intends to permanently sever ties with the South. Saturday's missile launch activity constitutes the latest link in a series of military displays in recent weeks as Kim Jong Un continues to showcase his nuclear program.